Meet the next generation ofKarate Kid. YouTube Red is reviving the nostalgic franchise withCobra Kai, a new take on an old saga. The series sees the return of franchise starsRalph MacchioandWilliam Zabka, who reprise their roles, as we see Zabka’s Johnny teaching a new generation of fighters.
The returning cast members are joined by newcomerXolo Maridueña(Parenthood) as Miguel Diaz, a victim of bullying in high school who finds sanctuary under Johnny’s tutelage;Tanner Buchanan(Designated Survivor) Johnny’s son, Robby Keene, who does his best not to follow in his father’s footsteps;Courtney Henggeler(Mom) as Daniel’s wife and business partner Amanda;Mary Mouser(Freakish) as their “firecracker” daughter, Samantha; and guest-starEd Asnerplaying Johnny’s old-school stepfather, You can learn more about the newcomers in the new character videos.
Cobra Kaicomes from writersJosh Heald(Hot Tub Time Machine) andJon HurwitzandHayden Schlossberg(Harold& Kumar), who executive produce the series withSusan Ekins,Will Smith,James Lassiter, andCaleeb Pinkett. And as was announced today, the series debuts May 2nd on YouTube Red; check out the new character trailers below.
Here’s the full synopsis:
In the highly-anticipated return of two iconic characters, the arch-rivals from the legendary Karate Kid film series reunite over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. Now living in the affluent hills of Encino, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) leads an enviable life with his beautiful family, while running a successful string of car dealerships throughout the valley. Meanwhile, his high school adversary, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), whose life has taken a rocky turn, seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. Their lives inevitably become intertwined and the rivalry is reignited, setting forth the next generation of “karate kids” in COBRA KAI, a YouTube Red Original Series. COBRA KAI is produced by Overbrook Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television.
